Shedding Light on Domestic Violence and the Need for Safe Child Changeovers

Parenting Matters

On 5 July 2023, Amira Moghnieh was allegedly murdered by her ex-husband. The current rate of domestic violence-related homicides is alarming.

This devastating incident has once again brought attention to the issue of domestic violence and the importance of ensuring the safety of all parties involved. Your safety, and the safety of your children, is paramount especially when in the circumstances of child changeovers. These exchanges can be particularly challenging and dangerous in relationships involving domestic violence. The vulnerability of this situation demands careful consideration and proactive measures to ensure the safety of all parties involved.

Proactive measures which can be taken when impacted by domestic violence

It is crucial to engage in proactive measures to ensure the safety of you and your children during changeovers. The implementation of changeovers in a public setting, equipped with surveillance cameras, facilitates a secure environment for families impacted by domestic violence.

Public places, such as community centres, shopping centres, police stations, or supervised visitation centres, can play a vital role in providing a safe environment for child changeovers. These locations are often equipped with surveillance cameras, which can help deter abusive behaviour and ensure accountability. This also serves to provide you peace of mind and help alleviate stress and anxiety surrounding the changeover and contact with the other parent.

The tragic incident in Bexley serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence and prioritise the safety of families, especially during child changeovers. By implementing proper safety measures and raising awareness about the importance of these measures, we can strive towards a society where families affected by domestic violence can find solace and security during these vulnerable moments.

For more information about safety measures that can be incorporated into your family law agreement or Orders please contact us 1300BILSON or BOOK ONLINE.

Family violence support services:

1800 Respect national helpline 1800 737 732
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line) 131 114

More Resources

Parenting matters

When you’re in conflict with a partner, you need to stay focused on the safety and wellbeing of your children. Remember, children have a right to be safe and they have a right to have a relationship with both parents. When these two factors are in conflict, it can be difficult to resolve the conflict without assistance.

If you have reason to believe that your child is at risk of harm, call the NSW Police (000) for urgent assistance. If you believe your child is at risk of being removed from Australia, call the Australian Federal Police (131 444). To access urgent legal advice, call us on 0415 381 216 or book an appointment online.

Divorce

Applying for divorce is a separate process from seeking a property settlement or parenting order. The application can be made individually (by one party), or jointly (by both parties). To start the process, you will need an original copy of your marriage certificate. If the marriage certificate is not in English, you will need to have the certificate translated.

Other important considerations include agreeing to appropriate parenting arrangements and updating your will. You should also complete a new binding nomination form for superannuation. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer will ensure your assets are protected and help the process run more smoothly.

Property Settlement

There are four steps in a property settlement.

Step 1 – identify all relevant assets. You’ll need to provide copies of bank statements, tax returns, superannuation statements and other financial documents.

Step 2 – examine the contributions made during the relationship. These include financial (income) and non-financial (parenting) contributions.

Step 3 – assess the future needs of each party. This includes looking at future earning capacity.

Step 4 – consider if the effect of the final outcome is just and equitable. This can result in a Binding Financial Agreement or Court Orders made by consent or by a judge.

An experienced divorce lawyer may be key to achieving a positive outcome.

Do I need a will?

The short answer is yes. If you don’t have a will when you die, a lot of decisions will have to be made. Everyone will be wanting to do what they think you would have OR what they think you should have arranged. Making a will now ensures your wishes are respected and makes it easier to manage your estate when you pass away.

Questions to consider when making a will include:

Who will manage your estate?
Who will be the trustee to hold the bequest for your children?
Who will inherit? (in other words, who gets what?)
What will happen to the assets? (for example, how will they be transferred from your estate to the beneficiaries?)

Preparing for Court

Attending court can be a daunting prospect. From the moment you’re served with court documents to the court appearance itself, there is a lot to consider. Make sure you read the court documents carefully so you know when you need to attend, the time the matter is being heard and the court you need to appear at.

On court day, wear neat clothing and be prepared to get to the court on time. Map out your public transport options and don’t forget you can prepay for parking if you intend to drive. To make the process less stressful and confronting, it’s best to talk to a lawyer. They can go over the documents with you and provide advice on how to respond.

Trusted Resources

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